Rugby Council Failing Vulnerable

8.05.48pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 2nd Apr 2005

Cllr. Gerry Roodhouse

The failure by Rugby Borough Council to get its act together over social inclusion has been criticised by the Liberal Democrats, who are calling for action and an investigation.

Cllr. Jerry Roodhouse has raised this matter before and has once again been highlighting the termination of the Supporting People contract for providing locality and community wardens.

The Tory Cabinet on the Borough Council has sent back a cheque for over £100,000 because of to much paperwork. The Portfolio Holder Cllr. Bill Sewell stated at Cabinet that no one will suffer and no reduction of service will take place. Liberal Democrats question this and ask for any body that is using this service to contact Cllr. Jerry Roodhouse and pass on their experiences of the service that could have been developed further for older people in the Borough.

Instead the Tories have chosen to deny individuals future developments. Questions need to be asked on this matter. The Liberal Democrats are proposing a motion to full Council on April 27th seeking an inquiry into who took the initial decision about the termination of this contract.

Cllr. Roodhouse has also continued his attack on the Tory cabinet by stating that there is a failure by them to develop and implement a social inclusion strategy that would help to safeguard individuals of all ages and ensure that our most vulnerable have a safety net.

Cllr Roodhouse points to the following evidence:

• CPA report states that RBC is only a fair council and in the action plan 10.3 no action has been detailed.

• Audit commission, the auditor's letter criticises the council for its failure on partnerships.

These two documents are written by independent bodies. It is clear from reading them, and the recommendations made, that there is a widening gulf between sections of our community and that partnership working which could bridge the divide.